Here’s the Catch: Ogie Fitness Corp., which is run by Guinness World Record holder David "Ogie" Ogron, sells fitness equipment and exercise products. The world’s fastest golfer travels to trade shows, fairs, and home expos, peddling fitness machines and taking orders for costly pieces of equipment. The problem comes when it’s time for delivery. Customers across the U.S. are reporting they never receive their orders.
Complaints filed against Ogie Fitness almost mirror each other. Consumers pay anywhere from $799 on up, and hope to be using their new machines within 4 to 6 weeks, which is how long Ogie Fitness claims it will take for delivery. When the time for delivery approaches and passes, some consumers who contact the company are told the items are on backorder or are given other delivery delay excuses. After allowing more time for delivery, one complainant claims they waited a year, nothing arrives. Many have difficulty reaching anyone at all with the company to inquire on the status of their order or to request a refund.
Some consumers who have turned to Business Consumer Alliance to file complaints in the past received replies from Ogie advising them that orders would be shipped or that they could file a charge back if they didn’t wish to wait any longer. While recent complaints have gone unanswered, customers are contacting BCA to report that the scam is still going on. In January 2016 the news reported that the Orofino Police were looking for victims who purchased “Shake it Off Fitness” machines at a local fair, but they appear to have fared no better than the complainants who were scammed by Ogie previously. Some consumers experienced a “bait and switch” when they were sent inferior machines that were not the same quality or brand that they purchased.
Kim’s Advice: By now you should know our advice—before you pay, check BCA! Make it a habit to always check out any company or offer through our free services. BCA is available on the go, so if you’re out and are considering purchasing from a business, take a moment to look them up at checkbca.org on your mobile device. You can also do a quick Internet search to see what information is available on the product, seller, and company behind the item.
Some other tips to help you include:
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Don’t act in haste. If you are at a location such as a swap meet or trade show and are approached by a seller, check them out first. Ask for as much information as you can about the business, offer, products, warranties, guarantees, policies, as well as terms and conditions of the sale and research the information.
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Get the information in writing before you agree to anything or exchange money or billing information.
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Consider making a purchase by credit card instead of paying with cash. If there is a problem, such as non-delivery issues, you may be able to dispute the charges and obtain a refund. Services such as PayPal also have methods to open a dispute.
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Be mindful of shipping times. The Federal Trade Commission's Mail, Internet, or Telephone Order Rule requires a merchant to deliver merchandise within the timeframe advertised. If the company doesn't specify a shipping time, it must send the merchandise within 30 days. If the business is unable to deliver within 30 days, they must contact you immediately and give you the option of a new shipping date or to cancel for a full refund, or be subject to penalties.
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Keep a record of your order, including the name and address of the company, the order date, and method of payment.
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Check your order promptly upon receipt to make sure the item is what you ordered and that it is intact and satisfactory. Notify the company at once if it is not. Be sure to keep the packaging in case you have to return the item.
If you have a problem with a merchant that you are unable to resolve, or you want to report a scam, contact BCA. Filing a complaint or writing a review is easy. Just visit the BCA website to get started.